Contemporary kitchen meets period property in Lewes

The brief

Set within a beautiful period property just outside Lewes, this kitchen had to merge contemporary style with a host of period features. Our client was looking to open up the kitchen through to the dining area whilst retaining the individual style and feel of the two distinct spaces. As well as looking good, the functionality incorporated within the kitchen also had to satisfy the requirements of a very keen cook. And it had to do it all with a subtle nod to the past whilst incorporating all the very latest technology.

The Design

The space lent itself to a traditional U-shaped kitchen with a small peninsula incorporating a breakfast bar. On the opposing wall we designed a fairly unique bank of tall units. The easy part was housing the fridge freezer, oven and micro combi, the trickier part was designing the larder. Not only are these reduced in height to create a nice open shelf area above but they are also reduced in depth to allow for sufficient space to walk through to the hallway. Add to that the handleless design complete with drawers at the bottom and shelving at the top and you have a very bespoke and (we think at least) very cool larder.

The next challenge was how to integrate the worktops with window sills, being a characterful old property one sill sat below the worktop and the other sat above. In the end we decided we’d take the stone both down and up, wrapping it down the back of the cabinets into the low level sill and then bringing it up the walls to form the splash-back as well.

Below the worktops are a useful mix of drawers, cupboards, a corner pull-out and a dishwasher. We added some warmth with Natural Vintage Oak shelving and panelling which when set against the satin cashmere doors gives the kitchen a lovely warm feel.

How it worked out

Our client loves the way the kitchen looks and just as importantly the way it works. It’s one of those kitchens that looks fairly simple but when you begin to unwrap the detail it’s actually very intricate, delivering a high level of functionality whilst maintaining a very open, unimposing feel. It sits very comfortably within its period surroundings without attempting to dominate the space.

The result, it’s a fantastic little kitchen that looks and works brilliantly. It’ll be even better once the room’s decorated!